The
hop plant (Humulus lupulus) is a rough twining
vine with separate male and female plants. The male plant
has a finely branched inflorescence whilst the female
plant bears flowers in the form of cones - the parts of
the plant that are used in brewing. The mature hop cones
are generally between 2 cm and 8 cm long, yellowish green,
and papery to the touch. The cones are harvested and dried
in August and September - vigorous varieties will produce
as much as 1 Kg of dried flowers per plant. The dried
hop cones are used in brewing for bittering, flavour and
aroma and preservation. Hop varieties get their properties
or active principles from small yellowish glands at the
base of the cone petals within the bracts or scales. The
gland is covered by a waxy skin within which lies all
of the unique bittering (alpha acids) and aromatic (oil)
compounds. These glands are referred to as Lupulin.
The quality of hops depends largely on the amount of lupulin
they contain and when derived from the fresh hop flowers
it is more abundant and of better quality. The
alpha acid level determines the bitterness of a particular
hop variety and the higher the percentage alpha acid by
weight the more bitter the hop in direct proportion. >Availablity
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Hops
are hardy, perennial plants which produces annual
vines from a permanent root stock or crown. Vines
may grow up to 25 feet in a single season but
will die back to the crown each autumn. In addition
to the true roots and the vine, the crown also
produces underground stems called rhizomes which
possess numerous buds and are used for vegetative
propagation. Hops
prefer deep, well drained soil as they put down
a very strong underground root structure - the
true roots can penetrate to a depth of more than
4 metres. During the first year there may be only
slow vegetative growth and few flowers as the
plant develops its rootstock. Abundant growth
and a good hop crop can be expected in the second
year. A couple of applications of a nitrogen-rich
fertilizer or manure between March and June will
help ensure a good crop. Plant early in the spring
about 1 metre apart and provide a strong support
system for the vines - anything between 2 and
4 metres will work fine. Harvest dates will vary
according to variety and location but at maturity
the hop aroma will be very strong when the cone
is rubbed between the fingers. The cones develop
a drier, papery feel and tend to become lighter
in colour - some browning of the lower bracts
is a good sign of ripenesss.